External Innovation, Associate Director

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 256,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

Total Rewards benefits

Job summary

Vertex is seeking an Associate Director, External Innovation to lead landscape analysis, opportunity evaluation, and cross-functional collaboration across R&D, Regulatory, Manufacturing and commercial teams.

The role requires advanced scientific training with 7+ years of biotech/pharma experience, plus the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights and communicate effectively with senior management. Hybrid work options are available.

Qualifications

• Broad-based scientific training supporting high learning agility across drug discovery, development and commercialization.
• Understanding economic, commercial and financial factors driving value creation.
• Ability to apply scientific, clinical, regulatory and external landscape knowledge to shape program strategy.
• Synthesize diverse data into actionable insights and recommendations.
• Develop and deliver audience-tailored presentations for senior management.
• Effective communication and negotiation with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduces analysis and tracks opportunities for landscape analysis and company evaluations.
• Prepares materials and evaluation summaries informing decision-making across technology landscaping and opportunities.
• Participates in evaluation teams for rigorous research of ideas/targets.
• Builds and maintains relationships with transaction and alliance management teams.
• Engages with scientific and clinical SMEs across R&D, Regulatory, Manufacturing, etc.
• Coordinates governance meetings with BD teams and evaluation groups.
• Uses technology-enabled tools to improve insights and knowledge management.

Skills

Scientific training

Business acumen

Data synthesis

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Advanced scientific degree (Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., etc.)

Job description

Job Description General Summary

The Associate Director, External Innovation reports into the Executive Director, External Innovation and Portfolio Operations, and is responsible for conducting scientific, clinical and commercial analysis, monitoring company/technology evolution across the biopharma landscape and contribute to the evaluation of collaboration/acquisition opportunities that are aligned with the corporate strategy. As a member of the External Innovation team, you will contribute across phases of evaluation of external opportunities, participate to cross-functional projects with the transactions and alliance management teams, and manage cross-functional relationships to ensure communication and alignment across stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conducts analysis and tracks opportunities and topics for landscape analysis, and companies for evaluations
• Prepares materials and evaluation summaries to inform decision-making, including organizing, documenting, interpreting and coherently summarizing cross-functional input of new technology landscaping projects & external business opportunities in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and academic arenas
• Participates as a member of evaluation teams in planning, coordinating, and executing rigorous research and evaluation of assigned idea/target
• Builds and maintains relationships with transaction and alliance management teams, and ensures communication and coordination across departments
• Participates in engagement with scientific and clinical subject matter experts, across various functional areas (R&D, Regulatory, Manufacturing etc.).
• Coordinates organizational governance meetings including BD meetings internally and externally with appropriate evaluation teams
• Utilizes technology-enabled tools to increase scientific insights and improve operations, process and knowledge management.

Knowledge and Skills

• Broad-based scientific training supporting high learning agility across fields relevant to drug discovery, development and commercialization
• Understanding and application of basic economic, commercial and financial factors driving value creation (business acumen)
• Ability to apply scientific, clinical, regulatory and commercial expertise as well as knowledge of the external landscape, to help shape program strategy and drive program decisions
• Ability to synthesize diverse data and information sources into actionable insights and recommendations
• Ability to develop independently and deliver clear audience-tailored slide decks and other communications to build internal stakeholder support and alignment (inclusive of senior management)
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills including impact on cross-functional teams output

Position Requirements

• Advanced scientific degree (Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., D.V.M., etc.) 7+ years of biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience, preferably with drug discovery and early development experience; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience as a sell-side or consulting analyst preferred; experience modeling mature markets a plus.

Pay Range: $170,400 - $255,600 Disclosure Statement: The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law. At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation: Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select 2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time. #LI-Hybrid

Company Information Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]

Help Us Achieve Our Mission Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including APOL1-mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency . Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 14 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X , LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

The diversity and authenticity of our people is part of what makes Vertex unique, and we recognize that each employee brings diverse perspectives and strengths. By embracing those strengths and celebrating differences, we are fostering an inclusive culture where each of us can bring our authentic selves to work, inspire innovation together, and change people’s lives. Our vision is clear: to be the place where an authentic, diverse mix of talent want to come, to stay, and do their best work.